Seven fishing industry stakeholders are now better equipped with the knowledge and practice to effectively promote seafood safety and achieve high quality standards in the Barbados Fisheries Sector. The Seafood HACCP Training Course which occurred between 17 July - 11 August 2023 was delivered through a collaboration with Export Barbados and Safe Food Essentials.
The course provided training for seafood exporters, processors and government officials/regulators consistent with the regulatory requirements of US FDA’s Seafood Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation.
The Award ceremony which took place on 7 September 2023 was held at Export Barbados' Headquarters in Bridgetown. Remarks were made by Mr. Damien Prescod, Project Consultant in the Oceans Economy Unit at Export Barbados, Chief Executive Officer of Export Barbados Mark Hill, Chief Fisheries Officer, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Safe Food Essentials Director Dr. Kelly Brathwaite and Mrs. Fern Lewis, Director Innovation, Research and Development at Export Barbados. Course participant Ms. Michelle Wiggins gave the Vote of Thanks.
Each speaker emphasized the importance of improving seafood quality standards in the Fisheries sector to promote seafood safety, increase exports and support blue economy development. Achieving this goal will require strong partnerships and sustained efforts in training and capacity building.
This exercise is the first in a series to train fisheries stakeholders including boat captains, crew members and fish vendors. The first cohort will lead the way for the transformation in the sector.
Photo credit: Ms. Asantie Murrell, Business Analyst, Bio Economy, Export Barbados